Image processing device, job processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

Each of a plurality of image processing devices (MFPs) included in an image processing system which includes a storage as well. (1) When the user requests processing a job, (2) the job data is stored in the storage. (3) Each MFP confirms that there is an unprocessed job to be executed, and (4) judges whether the own device can process the job. (5) MFPs that have judged that the own device can process the job stores information of the own device into the storage, and (6) check information stored by other MFPs. (7) One of the MFPs judges that the own device is the most suitable MFP, (11) obtains the job data, and (12) processes the job.

This application is based on application No. 2007-18430 filed in Japan,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing device in an imageprocessing system including a plurality of image processing devices, ajob processing method, and a program.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Currently prevalent is image processing systems in which a plurality ofclient terminals, a plurality of image processing devices, and a jobmanagement server are connected with each other via a network such as aLAN, and each client terminal is able to cause each image processingdevice to execute a job via the job management server.

In some of such image processing systems, when the job management serverreceives a request for processing a job from a client terminal, the jobmanagement server accesses a plurality of copiers in sequence to obtain(a) information indicating image processing functions that can beexecuted by them and (b) information indicating the current status ofthe copiers, namely whether they are in wait, whether they are executinga job, the residual amount of paper and the like, and then selects themost suitable copier to execute the job, by referring to theseinformation, and causes the selected copier to execute the job (seeJapanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-34428).

The above-described image processing system requires a server having afunction to select a copier that executes a job. In general, such aserver is expensive, and imposes a burden of high cost to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an imageprocessing system, an image processing device, a job processing method,and a program that achieve smooth job processing and reduced cost in astructure including a plurality of image processing devices.

One aspect of the present invention to fulfill the above object isdirected to an image processing device for use as one of a plurality ofimage processing devices included in an image processing system thatfurther includes a storage, the image processing device comprising: afirst judging part operable to, if job data of an unprocessed job isstored in the storage, judge whether the unprocessed job can beprocessed by an own device; a transmitter operable to, if the firstjudging part judges that the unprocessed job can be processed by the owndevice, transmit first information, which indicates one or moreconditions with which the own device processes the job, to the storageand cause the storage to store the first information; an obtaining partoperable to obtain second information, which indicates one or moreconditions with which another one of the plurality of image processingdevices processes the job, from the storage; a second judging partoperable to judge whether the own device should process the job, inaccordance with a standard that is common to the plurality of imageprocessing devices, by referring to the first information and the secondinformation; and a job processor operable to process the job if thesecond judging part judges that the own device should process the job.

Another aspect of the present invention to fulfill the above object isdirected to a job processing method for use in an image processingsystem that includes a storage and a plurality of image processingdevices, the job processing method causing each of the plurality ofimage processing devices to execute: a first judging step of, if jobdata of an unprocessed job is stored in the storage, judging whether theunprocessed job can be processed by an own device; a transmission stepof, if the first judging step judges that the unprocessed job can beprocessed by the own device, transmitting first information, whichindicates one or more conditions with which the own device processes thejob, to the storage and cause the storage to store the firstinformation; an obtaining step of obtaining second information, whichindicates one or more conditions with which another one of the pluralityof image processing devices processes the job, from the storage; asecond judging step of judging whether the own device should process thejob, in accordance with a standard that is common to the plurality ofimage processing devices, by referring to the first information and thesecond information; and a job processing step of processing the job ifthe second judging step judges that the own device should process thejob.

Further another aspect of the present invention to fulfill the aboveobject is directed to a recording medium recording therein a program forcausing a computer, which is included in one of a plurality of imageprocessing devices constituting an image processing system that includesa storage as well, to execute: a first judging step of, if job data ofan unprocessed job is stored in the storage, judging whether theunprocessed job can be processed by an own device; a transmission stepof, if the first judging step judges that the unprocessed job can beprocessed by the own device, transmitting first information, whichindicates one or more conditions with which the own device processes thejob, to the storage and cause the storage to store the firstinformation; an obtaining step of obtaining second information, whichindicates one or more conditions with which another one of the pluralityof image processing devices processes the job, from the storage; asecond judging step of judging whether the own device should process thejob, in accordance with a standard that is common to the plurality ofimage processing devices, by referring to the first information and thesecond information; and a job processing step of processing the job ifthe second judging step judges that the own device should process thejob.

In the above-stated structures in which each of a plurality of imageprocessing devices judges whether the own device can process a job,stores into the storage the first information indicating a conditionwith which the own device processes the job, obtains the secondinformation indicating a condition with which another image processingdevice processes the job, and judges whether the own device shouldprocess the job, in accordance with a standard that is common to theplurality of image processing devices, by referring to the firstinformation and the second information. The stated structure achievessmooth job processing without a server, which is required inconventional technologies, and reduces the cost as much as the removedserver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and the other objects, advantages and features of the inventionwill become apparent from the following description thereof taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a specificembodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall structure of the image processingsystem in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structural outline of the imageprocessing device in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the MFP overallcontrol software in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation outline of aconventional image processing system;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation outline of the imageprocessing system in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 6 schematically shows the operation of the image processing systemin Embodiment 1;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a detailed operation of the imageprocessing system in Embodiment 1;

FIG. 8 shows a display example of a job receiving screen;

FIG. 9 shows an example of job data;

FIG. 10 shows a job list that is created in the storage device;

FIG. 11 schematically shows the first judgment;

FIG. 12 shows the function information of each MFP shown in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A and 13B show examples of entry files;

FIG. 14 schematically shows the second judgment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the process performed by each image processingdevice;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the process between A and B inFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the process between B and C inFIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the process between C and D inFIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the process between D and E inFIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the process between E and A inFIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a detailed operation of the imageprocessing system in Embodiment 2;

FIGS. 22A and 22B show examples of entry files in Embodiment 3;

FIG. 23 schematically shows the operation of the image processing systemin Embodiment 4;

FIG. 24 shows a screen that is displayed when the judgment result is“equal”, neither advantageous nor disadvantageous;

FIG. 25 shows a display example of a priority condition setting screenin Embodiment 5;

FIG. 26 shows a part of job data that relates to the priority condition;

FIG. 27 shows a part of job list that relates to the priority condition;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the judgment process formaking judgment on the priority condition;

FIG. 29 shows a display example of a priority condition setting screenin a modification of Embodiment 5;

FIG. 30 shows a part of job list that relates to the priority condition;and

FIGS. 31A and 31B show examples of entry-files in a modification of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following describes embodiments of the image processing device, jobprocessing method, and program of the present invention, with referenceto the attached drawings.

Embodiment 1 Structure of Image Processing Device and Image ProcessingSystem

Details, in structure, of the image processing device of the presentembodiment and the image processing system including the imageprocessing device will be described in the following.

1. Image Processing System

FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall structure of an image processingsystem 8.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system of Embodiment 1 includesMFPs (Multiple Function Peripherals) 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . , a storagedevice 5, and a PC (Personal Computer) 5, which are connected with eachother via a network 7 that is a LAN or the like. It should be noted herethat the image processing system may be connected with, for example, aFAX machine and a printer, as well as with the MFPs 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . ,the storage device 5 and the PC 6.

Each of the MFPs 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . receives a request for processing ajob, such as a copy, print, or scan from the user, and processes thejob. The MFPs 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . will be described in detail later.

The storage device 5 is, for example, a NAS (Network Attached Storage)or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores job data and entry files and thelike, which will be described later.

The PC 6 includes a control unit, a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor(these components are not illustrated), and is used by the user tocreate a document, send a request for processing a job such as a copy,print, or scan, and confirm the result of the job processing.

2. Image Processing Device

The following describes structure and functions of the MFPs1, 2, 3, 4, .. . , using the MFP 1 as an example thereof.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structural outline of the MFP 1. Asshown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes an MFP controller 10, a network unit20, a serial communication unit 30, a local connection unit 40, a FAXunit 50, a scanner unit 60, a printer unit 70, and an operation panel80.

The MFP controller 10 controls the functions and operations of the MFP 1as a whole, by controlling each of the above-mentioned units. Thisenables the MFP 1 to process the jobs such as the scan, copy, and print.The MFP controller 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM(Random Access Memory) 12, an encryption board 13, a flash memory 14, anNVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 15, and an HDD 16.

The CPU 11 executes the object code written in the MFP overall controlsoftware 90 stored in the flash memory 14. The CPU 11 also subjectsdata, which is received from the network unit 20, the serialcommunication unit 30, the local connection unit 40, the FAX unit 50,the scanner unit 60, the HDD 16 or the like, into a calculation or aprocess and outputs the result thereof to the network unit 20, theserial communication unit 30, the local connection unit 40, the FAX unit50, the printer unit 70, the HDD 16 or the like.

The RAM 12 is a main memory that plays the role of a work memory usedwhen the CPU 11 performs a calculation or a process on the data. The RAM12 is a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)or the like.

The encryption board 13 is loaded to achieve a security function of theMFP 1, and is an integrated circuit for encrypting data that is read orwritten from/onto the HDD 16.

The flash memory 14 stores the MFP overall control software 90 that isexecuted by the CPU 11. Also, the flash memory 14 stores messages thatare written in various languages and are to be displayed on theoperation panel 80. Further, the flash memory 14 stores an OS (OperatingSystem), such as VxWORKS, for embedded device.

The NVRAM 15 is a nonvolatile memory, and stores various setting valuesthat are necessary for the MFP 1 to operate. The setting values that canbe stored therein include network setting values such as an IP addressand image quality adjustment setting values.

The HDD 16 stores data in a file format. The HDD 16 is used as a swaparea when data exceeding in size the capacity of the RAM 12 needs to bestored. It should be noted here that the HDD 16 may be provided with apassword protection function (HDD lock function) that prohibitsreading/writing if passwords do not match, as a security function of theMFP 1.

The network unit 20 includes an Ethernet port and a USB port. TheEthernet port is a port for connecting the MFP 1 to the network 7 inconformance with Ethernet, and supports the standard 10BASE-T, 100BASE-Tor the like. The USB port is a port for connecting the MFP 1 to the PC 6locally. This connection enable the print function or the like to beused from the PC 6 or the like.

The serial communication unit 30 is provided with a serial port forconnecting the MFP 1 to the PC 6 by the serial communication system(RS-232C standard).

The local connection unit 40 is provided with a Centronics interface(parallel port) for connecting the MFP 1 to the PC 6 as a parallel portconnection. This connection enable the print function or the like to beused from the PC 6 or the like.

The FAX unit 50 functions as a modem for performing a facsimiletransmission/reception of FAX data via a public line.

The scanner unit 60, after the MFP controller 10 receives a request forprocessing a scan, scans an image, such as characters, graphics, or aphotograph, from a paper document, and generates image data that iselectronic data. It should be noted here that the scanner unit 60 may beprovided with (i) an ADF that automatically scans a plurality of paperdocuments or (ii) a duplex function for performing a both side scanning.

The printer unit 70, upon receiving a request for processing a printfrom the MFP controller 10, prints the data that has been converted forprinting, onto a sheet of paper, and outputs the printed paper. Itshould be noted here that the printer unit 70 may be provided with afinisher that has finishing functions such as sorting, punching holes,and stapling.

The operation panel 80 includes a touch panel liquid crystal display andvarious keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, and ascreen switch key. The operation panel 80 plays a role of a dedicatedcontrol device used by the user to operate the MFP 1.

3. Structure of MFP Overall Control Software

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the MFP overallcontrol software 90.

The MFP overall control software 90 includes various modules such as amain control unit 91, a FAX processing unit 92, a network processingunit 93, a PCScan application 94; a PCPrint application 95, a jobjudgment processing unit 96, an access timer management unit 97, ascanner control unit 98, a printer control unit 99, and a panel controlunit 100.

The main control unit 91, a module being the core of the overallcontrol, controls control signals from other modules 92-101 as a whole.For example, the main control unit 91 controls the whole of a sequence,such as a scan operation sequence or a print operation sequence, in eachstage of, for example, an activation, stop, resumption, discard, andinterrupt of a copy process.

Further, the main control unit 91 generates or activates a system,receives a request for processing a job such as a print, copy, scan, orFAX, assigns a unique job ID to each job, and performs the assignment insequence for each type. Upon receiving a request for deleting a job fromthe user, the main control unit 91 clears the job data. The main controlunit 91 further controls accesses to the file system when the HDD 16 istreated as the file system using the OS function.

The FAX processing unit 92 controls the FAX data transmission/reception.Upon receiving a notification from the FAX unit 50 that it received FAXdata, the FAX processing unit 92 requests the main control unit 91 toexecute a job to receive the FAX data, and instructs to start processingthe job. It should be noted here that the FAX data is transmitted orreceived using a public line via the FAX unit 50, or is transmitted orreceived as an Internet FAX via the network processing unit 93.

The network processing unit 93 processes a request that is received viathe network unit 20. The received request is sent to the networkprocessing unit 93 via a message queue provided by the OS. The networkprocessing unit 93 processes the request in accordance with a messagefrom the message queue, and the result of the process is sent to thenetwork unit 20.

When it receives a request for processing a job from the PC 6 via thenetwork 7 and via the Internet (in conformance with the TCP/IP, IPX/SPX,SNMP or the like), the network processing unit 93 executes an interfaceprocess for a transmission to the PCPrint application 95. This enablesthe print job to be processed.

The network processing unit 93 executes such an interface process withthe network unit 20 also in a similar manner between the network unit 20and the main control unit 91, between the network unit 20 and the PCScanapplication 94, between the network unit 20 and the FAX processing unit92, and between the network unit 20 and the job judgment processing unit96.

The PCScan application 94 processes the scan job. More specifically,when the user requests a scan job from the operation panel 80, the panelcontrol unit 100 notifies a start of the scan job via the main controlunit 91. The PCScan application 94 processes the scan job in accordancewith the notification to create an image file, and transmits the imagefile via the network processing unit 93 and the network unit 20 to thePC 6. It is also possible to request a scan from the PC 6. In this case,a start of the scan job is notified via the network processing unit 93.

The PCPrint application 95 processes a print job, where the request forthe job is transmitted from the PC 6 via the network 7. Morespecifically, when the user requests a print job from the PC 6, thePCPrint application 95 receives, via the network processing unit 93,print job data described in a page description language such as the PDL,converts the data into bit map data, and transmits the bit map data tothe main control unit 91 together with the print conditions. The bit mapdata is transmitted from the main control unit 91 to the printer unit 70via the printer control unit 99, and the image thereof is printed ontopaper.

The job judgment processing unit 96 accesses the storage device 5 viathe network processing unit 93, the network unit 20, and the network 7,and confirms whether there is a job that is registered with the storagedevice 5. If there is a job registered with the storage device 5, thejob judgment processing unit 96 judges whether the own device canprocess the job, and further judges whether the own device shouldprocess the job. If it judges that the own device should process thejob, the job judgment processing unit 96 downloads the job data from thestorage device 5, notifies to the main control unit 91 that the owndevice processes the job, and transfers the job data to the main controlunit 91. The main control unit 91 temporarily stores the received jobdata in the HDD 16 or the RAM 12, and processes the job.

The access timer management unit 97 determines a timing (cycle) at whichthe job judgment processing unit 96 accesses the storage device 5, andtransmits an access permission signal to the job judgment processingunit 96. The job judgment processing unit 96, upon receiving the accesspermission signal from the access timer management unit 97, accesses thestorage device 5 and confirms whether there is a job that is registeredwith the storage device 5.

The access timer management unit 97 also includes a function to manage aclock of the MFP 1. The access timer management unit 97 further includesa function to calculate a time when, for example, measuring an end timeof a processed job. The operation of the access timer management unit 97will be described later in detail.

The scanner control unit 98 controls the scanner unit 60. Morespecifically, the scanner control unit 98 controls a sequence incorrespondence with a document reading mode such as a character mode ora photograph mode, and in correspondence with a document reading formsuch as an ADF-used form or a manual placement form. The scanner controlunit 98 controls the scanner unit 60 when a document is scanned for aFAX transmission.

The printer control unit 99 is a module for controlling the printer unit70, and executes a print sequence in correspondence with the printconditions requested by the user. The print conditions that can berequested include either of the single side printing and the both sideprinting, and the stamp print or not. The printer control unit 99further controls the printer unit 70 when a received FAX is printed or aprint instructed from the PC 6 is performed.

The panel control unit 100 is a module for achieving a request of theuser input from the operation panel 80, and executes an event process inaccordance with a signal received from the operation panel 80. The panelcontrol unit 100 executes all the screen process programs that aredisplayed on the operation panel 80. The event process is a pre-processto be executed after a screen is selected, a process for displaying ascreen on the operation panel 80, a process requested by an inputthrough a software key, or the like. The event process sends anotification to the main control unit 91 so that the process requestedby the user through a panel operation can be executed, and transfers tothe next screen to notify the user of the response of the MFP.

Operations of Image Processing Device and Image Processing System

1. Operation Outline

First, an operation outline of the image processing system in thepresent embodiment will be described in comparison with the operation ofa conventional image processing system.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation outline of aconventional image processing system. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagramshowing an operation outline of the image processing system in thepresent embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the conventional image processing system, (1)when the user inputs a request for processing a job from a PC (or froman MFP), (2) job data, which is composed of document data and printconditions, is transmitted from the PC to the server management device,and then (3) the server management device requests function/statusinformation to each MFP.

It should be noted here that the function information is informationthat indicates executable functions and capabilities of each MFP. Forexample, the function information includes: print-related informationthat indicates color/monochrome, tone number, print speed, single/bothside, magnification rate, paper size, and the like; FAX-relatedinformation that indicates G3/G4 standard, transmission speed,resolution, and the like; and information that indicates the currentstatus of the MFP, such as waiting a job, executing, residual amount ofpaper, residual amount of toner, and the like.

(4) After the function/status information is notified to the servermanagement device from all the MFPs, (5) the server management devicecompares the print conditions with the function/status information ofall the MFPs, (6) selects a most suitable MFP, and (7) requests theselected MFP to process the job. (8) The selected MFP processes the job.(9) After completing the job, the MFP notifies the server managementdevice of the end of the job. And (10), (11) the server managementdevice notifies the user of the end of the job via the PC.

As understood from the above description, the conventional imageprocessing system requires a server for selecting an MFP that processesa job. Further, to select the MFP, the server needs to obtain thefunction/status information from all the MFPs in the system, where thefunction/status information has a large amount of information due to themultiple functions of the MFP. Accordingly, as the number of MFPs in thesystem increases, the load applied to the network increases as much.Also, when it takes a long time to obtain the function/statusinformation from all the MFPs in the system, the processing of the jobmay be delayed.

On the other hand, in the image processing system of the presentembodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, (1) when the user inputs a request forprocessing a job from the PC 6 (or from an MFP), (2) the job datatherefor is transmitted to the storage device 5 and stored therein. (3)Each of the MFPs 1, 2, 3, . . . checks at regular intervals whether anunprocessed job is stored in the storage device 5, and if it judges thatan unprocessed job is stored in the storage device 5, (4) each MFPjudges whether or not the own device (the MFP itself) can process thejob.

(5) MFPs (in the example shown in FIG. 5, MFP 1 through MFP 3) that havejudged that the own device can process the job store “own deviceinformation” (make an entry of the own device information) into apredetermined folder in the storage device 5, to indicate that the MFPsdesire to process the job, where the own device information isinformation that indicates conditions with which the devices (MFPs)themselves process the job (the own device information will be describedlater in detail). Each of the MFPs also checks whether other MFPs havemade entries of the own device information for the job (hereinafter, theown device information entered by other devices (MFPs) is referred to as“other device information”). If other device information has beenentered, each of the MFPs compares the own device information with theother device information, and judges whether or not the own device isthe most suitable MFP to process the job.

On the other hand, MFPs (in the example shown in FIG. 5, MFP n) thathave judged that the own device cannot process the job neither makeentry of the own device information, nor check whether the other deviceinformation has been entered.

(6) The MFP (in the example shown in FIG. 5, MFP 3) that has judged thatthe own device is the most suitable MFP to process the job obtains thejob data, (7) processes the job, and (8), (9) notifies the user of theend of the job via the PC 6.

As described above, in the image processing system of the presentembodiment, each MFP judges whether or not the own device should processan unprocessed job. This structure eliminates the need for a serverhaving a function to select an MFP. Further, in this structure of thepresent embodiment, only MFPs that have judged that the own devices canprocess the job transmit the own device information (corresponding tothe function/status information of the conventional technology) to thestorage device 5. Accordingly, compared with the conventional structurein which all MFPs transmit the information to the server, even if thesystem has a large number of MFPs, it hardly adds a load to the network,and hardly causes the processing of the job to be delayed.

2. Details of Operation

FIG. 6 schematically shows the operation of the image processing systemin the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing adetailed operation of the image processing system in Embodiment 1. Itshould be noted here that, in FIG. 7, the job judgment processing unit96 and the access timer management unit 97 are respectively indicated inabbreviated forms “judgment unit” and “management unit”. FIG. 8 shows anexample of a job receiving screen. FIG. 8 shows an example of job data.FIG. 10 shows a job list that is created in the storage device 5.

The following is a description of operations (1) through (16) when a jobis processed by an image processing system having three MFPs, in anexample case where a document created by the PC is printed out from anMFP.

(1) Request for Processing Job

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user inputs a request for processing ajob from, for example, the PC 6. When inputting the request forprocessing a job, the user also inputs the processing conditions(properties), such as print conditions, from the job receiving screen asshown in FIG. 8.

The job receiving screen is a screen for receiving, from the user, aninput or a selection of a function for processing a job such as a print.The job receiving screen displays tabs, boxes and the like, where thetabs are used for facilitating the user in selecting a function amongthe print, FAX transmission, scan and the like, and the boxes are usedto input the processing conditions (properties) in terms of the selectedfunction.

The user can, for example, specify a function to execute, by touchingthe job receiving screen. For example, to print a document image, firstthe user touches the tab of the print to display the input screen forthe print conditions (FIG. 8). On this screen, when the user touches thebox for the number of prints or color, another screen for selecting orinputting the desired number of prints is displayed, and the user canselect or input the desired number of prints on the displayed anotherscreen. After inputting the print conditions, the user touches the OKbutton to set the input information as the processing conditions for thejob.

When a job processing request, as described above, is received, job datais created. As shown in FIG. 9, the job data is composed of a job ID,document data, process condition (in the example shown in FIG. 9, printcondition), and the like. The job ID (in the example shown in FIG. 9,“Job-0001”) is uniquely assigned to a job in the order that jobs areregistered with the storage device 5. The print condition is composed ofsuch items as color, document size, output size, number of prints, pageallocation, single/both side printing, and staple, and the FAXtransmission condition is composed of such items as document size,transmission standard, resolution, and F code.

(2) Transmitting and Registering Job Data

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, upon receiving the job processing request,the PC 6 transmits the job data to the storage device 5. The transmittedthe job data is stored in the storage device 5, namely, the job isregistered with the storage device 5. Further, a job list, as shown inFIG. 10, is generated in the storage device 5.

(3) Checking Job

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3 accesses thestorage device 5 at a predetermined cycle, and performs a job check forconfirming whether or not an unprocessed job is registered with thestorage device 5. The access timer management units 97 of the MFPs 1, 2,and 3 generate an access timing signal at the same cycle, and access thestorage device 5, using as a trigger a point in time when the accesstiming signal becomes the enable state.

As shown in FIG. 7, the access timer management unit 97 stars generatingthe access timing signal when the main bodies of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3are powered on. Accordingly, the access timing signals generated by theMFPs 1, 2, and 3 do not necessarily match in phase, and ordinarily havedifferent phases as shown in the example of FIG. 7. The presentembodiment describes a case where the MFPs have different phases.However, although the phases differ from each other, ordinarily thedifference is only several milliseconds. Accordingly, it can beconsidered that the phases substantially match each other. It should benoted here that the clock function of the access timer management unit97 may be used to cause the phases of the MFPs to match each other.

When each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3 has completed the first job check, nounprocessed job is not registered with the storage device 5. At thistime, each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3 is in wait state. When each of theMFPs 1, 2, and 3 has completed the second job check, an unprocessed jobis registered with the storage device 5, and each of the MFPs 1, 2, and3 detects the registration.

Upon detecting that an unprocessed job is registered, the job judgmentprocessing unit 96 notifies the access timer management unit 97 of theregistration.

(4) First Judgment

The job judgment processing unit 96 of each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3judges, as the first judgment, whether or not the own device can processthe detected job.

FIG. 11 schematically shows the first judgment. FIG. 12 shows thefunction information of each MFP shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the job judgment processing unit 96 of each of theMFPs 1, 2, and 3 obtains the process condition for the job data from thestorage device 5, and judges whether or not the own device can processthe job. The judgment is made by comparing the obtained processcondition with the information (function information) regarding theimage processing function loaded in the own device.

More specifically, when the obtained process condition (the processcondition for the color print function job of the job with job ID“0001”) is the print condition shown in FIG. 9, and when the functioninformation of each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3 is as shown in FIG. 12,color machines MFP 1 and MFP 3 satisfy the print condition. On the otherhand, MFP 2 is a monochrome machine and does not satisfy the printcondition. As a result, MFP 1 and MFP 3 judge that the own device canprocess the job. It should be noted here that the function informationis preliminarily stored in the flash memory 14 or the like of the owndevice, namely, the MFP itself.

In each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3, upon receiving the notification fromthe job judgment processing unit 96, the access timer management unit 97changes the cycle of the access timing signal, as shown in FIG. 7. Morespecifically, the access timer management unit 97 changes the cycle toapproximately two times the current cycle+α. The reason is that since,as described above, the cycle of the access timing signal of each of theMFPs 1, 2, and 3 is set to substantially a same value, if the cycle isset to at least two times the current cycle, all the MFPs 1, 2, and 3 inthe system access the storage device at least once in the cycle beforethe change before they access the next time, and can make entry of theown device information into the storage device.

It should be noted here that the cycle of the access timing should notnecessarily be changed. This is because the longer the interval betweenthe access timings are, the longer the wait time for the unprocessed jobis. For example, when an MFP receives a FAX transmission job while it isperforming a print job, the job check can be done faster than in thecase where the cycle of the access timing is changed to be longer.

On the other hand, the job judgment processing unit 96 of the MFP 2judges in the first judgment that the own device cannot process the job,and notifies the access timer management unit 97 that it does not makean entry for the job with job ID “0001”. Upon receiving thenotification, the access timer management unit 97 returns the cycle ofthe access timing signal to the cycle before so that the MFP 2 canperform the next job check soon.

(5) Entry of Own Device Information

The MFP 1 and MFP 3, which have judged that the own device can processthe job, make entries of the own device information, respectively. Morespecifically, the MFP 1 and MFP 3 generates entry files, and store thegenerated entry files into the storage device 5 (register the generatedentry files with the storage device 5). A description that MFPs 1 and 3made entries for the job with job ID “0001” is written in the job listof the storage device 5, as shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, the MFP2, which judged that the own device cannot process the job, has not madeentry for the job.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show examples of entry files. The entry file name,such as “job ID.MFP name”, is determined in conformance with apredetermined rule so that a piece of job data corresponds to an MFP ona one-to-one basis. Capability information and status information arewritten into entry files, as information indicating conditions withwhich the MFPs process the job.

The capability information, in the case of printing, includes:information regarding productivity such as the system speed, first copytime, maximum number of copies, paper feeding capacity, and outlet traycapacity; information regarding image quality such as the resolution(for example, 600 dpi or 1800 dpi), tone number (for example, “256”),character/photograph mode; and information regarding cost such as theservice maintenance cost, paper type (for example, recycled or genuine),power consumption, device life (use frequency, toner residual amount orthe like).

The status information includes information indicating the status of thedevice which may be “processing job”, “in warmup”, or “in wait”.

In the capability information and status information, informationindicating the status or value that may change, such as the currentstatus or paper in tray, is rewritten each time an entry file iscreated, except for fixed information such as the system speed.

The information is written in the items of the entry file that arearranged in the order of priority, from the highest priority to thelowest priority. The priorities are arbitrarily set by, for example, theuser or manager. In the present example, the priority is set to all MFPsin the image processing system 8. This is done for the purpose ofenabling each MFP in the system to judge, based on the same standards,whether the own device can process the job (the second judgment whichwill be described later).

FIG. 13A shows examples of productivity oriented entry files. In theexample, the system speed is written as the highest item with respect tothe information regarding productivity, and the power consumption iswritten as the lowest item with respect to the information regardingcost. On the other hand, FIG. 13B shows an example of a cost orientedentry file in which the power consumption is written as the highestitem, in reverse to the productivity oriented entry files.

(6) Checking Other Device Information

The MFP 1 and MFP 3, when checking the next job, check whether thestorage device 5 includes an entry of other device information, and ifthe storage device 5 includes an entry of other device information,obtain the entry file. On the other hand, the MFP 2 does not checkwhether the storage device 5 includes an entry of other deviceinformation, but starts checking another job.

(7) Second Judgment

In the second judgment, each of the MFP 1 and MFP 3 that made entriesfor the job determines the most suitable MFP for processing the job. Thejudgment is made by comparing the contents of each entry file stored inthe storage device 5.

FIG. 14 schematically shows the second judgment. As shown in FIG. 14,the job judgment processing unit 96 of each of the MFP 1 and MFP 3 thatmade entries for the job obtains the entry file of the other device (MFP1 or MFP 3) from the storage device 5, using as a trigger a point intime when the access timing signal becomes the enable state. It shouldbe noted here that the entry file can be obtained by downloading it intothe MFP 1 or MFP 3, or by opening the entry file in the storage device 5without downloading.

The job judgment processing unit 96 of each of the MFP 1 and MFP 3obtains entry files for Job-0001 by referring to the file names of theentry files. More specifically, the job judgment processing unit 96searches for entry files with file names whose first half (a portionbefore the period) is “Job-0001”, and obtains only entry files of otherMFPs, except for the entry file of the own device. If there is only theentry file of the own device, the job judgment processing unit 96obtains no entry file. It should be noted here that the entry file ofthe own device may also be obtained in addition.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the MFP 1 obtains “Job-0001.mfp3” thatis the entry file of the MFP 3 for Job-0001, and the MFP 3 obtains“Job-0001.mfp1” that is the entry file of the MFP 1 for Job-0001.

In the comparison of the contents of each entry file, the printconditions obtained by the job judgment processing unit 96 of each MFPare referred to, and the entry file conditions are checked in sequencein the order from the most highest priority to the lowest priority.

In the case of the example shown in FIG. 13A, first a comparison is madewith respect to the system speed. The MFP 1 and MFP 3 judge that thereis no difference in priority since both has the system speed of 45 ppm.Next, a comparison is made with respect to the current status. The MFP 1is in warmup and cannot process the job immediately, while the MFP 3 isin wait and can process the job immediately. From this comparisonresult, the MFP 1 and MFP 3 judge that the MFP 3 is more suitable forprocessing the job than the MFP 1.

The judgment is made by the job judgment processing units 96 of the MFP1 and MFP 3, respectively. However, since the judgment is made based onthe predetermined standards that are common to the MFPs, the MFPs thatperform the judgment reaches the same conclusion. That is to say, boththe job judgment processing units 96 of the MFP 1 and MFP 3 judge thatthe MFP 3 is the most suitable MFP for processing the job.

In the MFP 1, which is judged not to be the suitable MFP, the jobjudgment processing unit 96 notifies the access timer management unit 97that the own device does not process Job-0001. Upon receiving thenotification, the access timer management unit 97 returns the cycle ofthe access timing signal to the cycle before so that the MFP 1 canperform the next job check soon.

(8) Deleting Other Device Entry Files

As shown in FIG. 14, the MFP 3, which has been judged to process thejob, deletes the entry files of the other MFPs. More specifically, theMFP 3 deletes “Job-0001.mfp1” that is the entry file of the MFP 1 forJob-0001. With this deletion, among entry files for Job-0001, only“Job-0001.mfp3” that is the entry file of the MFP 3 remains in thestorage device 5. This indicates that the MFP 3 is to process Job-0001.

Here, even if entry files of the other MFPs are deleted, there is stilla possibility that another MFP refers to “Job-0001” at a certain timingand creates an entry file. For this reason, the MFP 3 may change the jobfile name “Job-0001” to, for example, “Dmfp3-job-0001”, in addition todeleting entry files of the other MFPs. This prevents the other MFPsfrom creating entry files once it is determined that the MFP 3 is toprocess the job, and it is clearly indicated that the MFP 3 is toprocess the job (“Job-0001”).

(9) Notifying Device Name to PC

The job judgment processing unit 96 of the MFP 3 notifies, to the PC 6that requested for processing the job, that the MFP 3 is to process thejob.

(10) Notifying Device Name to User

The PC 6 notifies the user, who requested for processing the job, of anMFP that is to output a print, as a result of the job.

(11) Obtaining Job Data

The MFP 3 downloads job data “Job-0001” from the storage device 5.

(12) Processing Job

The MFP 3 processes the job with the print condition specified by theuser.

(13) Notifying End of Job to Storage Device

After the job ends, the MFP 3 deletes information regarding the job fromthe job list stored in the storage device 5, as a job end notificationto the storage device 5.

(14) Notifying End of Job to PC

After the job ends, the MFP 3 notifies the PC 6, which requested forprocessing the job, of the end of the job.

(15) Notifying End of Job to User

Upon receiving the job end notification, the PC 6 notifies the user ofthe end of the job. This enables the user to know that paper, on whichdocument data is printed, is output from the MFP 3.

(16) Deleting Job Data

The MFP 3 deletes job data “Job-0001” of the completed job from thestorage device 5.

As described above, the document created by the PC is printed by the MFP3. It should be noted here that if there are a plurality of jobprocesses in the image processing system, a process similar to theabove-described one is performed for each job.

<Operation of Each Image Processing Device>

Next, the job process operation performed by each of the MFPs 1, 2, . .. will be described.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the process performed by each MFP. The processis performed as the CPU 11 of the MFP executes a program stored in theflash memory 14 or the HDD 16. This applies to each of the flowcharts tobe provided in the following.

As shown in FIG. 15, the MFP performs a job check at a predeterminedcycle upon the storage device 5 to confirm whether or not an unprocessedjob has been registered with the storage device 5 (step S1).

If it judges that an unprocessed job has been registered (YES in stepS2), the MFP makes the first judgment on whether or not processing theregistered job by the own device is available (step S3). On the otherhand, if it judges that an unprocessed job has not been registered (NOin step S2), the MFP continues to perform the job check (step S1).

If it judges that processing the job by the own device is available (YESin step S4), the MFP makes an entry of the own device information (stepS5); and judges whether or not there is an entry of another MFP (device)(step S6).

If it judges that there is an entry of another MFP (YES in step S7), theMFP compares the other device information with the own deviceinformation (step S8), and makes the second judgment on whether or notthe own device is the most suitable device (step S9). If it judges thatthe own device is the most suitable device (YES in step S10), the MFPobtains (in the present example, downloads), the document data (stepS11). Also, if it judges in step S7 that there is no entry of other MFPs(NO in step S7), the MFP downloads the document data (step S11).

The MFP then processes the job (step S12). After completing the job, theMFP notifies the storage device 5 and the PC 6 of the end of the job(step S13). The MFP then deletes the job data from the storage device 5(step S14), and returns to the job check (step S1).

If it judges that processing the job by the own device is not available(NO in step S4), or if it judges that the own device is not the mostsuitable device (NO in step S10), the MFP returns to step S1.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the process between A and B inFIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, the MFP checks the access timer signal(step S21). If the access timer signal is enable (YES in step S22), theMFP checks whether or not an unprocessed job has been registered withthe storage device 5 (step S23).

If it judges that an unprocessed job has been registered (YES in stepS24), the MFP notifies the access timer management unit 97 that anunprocessed job has been registered (step S25).

If it judges in step S22 that the access timer signal is not enable, orif it judges in step S24 that an unprocessed job has not beenregistered, the MFP returns to step S21.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the process between B and C inFIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 17, the MFP obtains the job process condition,which is the print condition in the case of a print job (step S31), andcompares the function information of the own device with the obtainedprint condition (step S32).

Then, in the succeeding steps, the MFP judges whether or not the owndevice satisfies the requested conditions, for each of the printcondition items: color, document size, output size, the number ofprints, page allocation, single/both side printing, and staple. Here,the judgment will be explained based on an example case where the printcondition is set as follows: color is “color”, document size is “A4”,output size is “same as document size”, the number of prints is “1”,page allocation is “2in1”, single/both side printing is “both side”, andstaple is “yes”. First, if the own device, has the color print function,the MFP judges that the own device satisfies the condition, namely, OK(YES in step S33), and moves to step S34. If the own device does nothave the color print function, the MFP judges that the own device doesnot satisfy the condition (NO in step S33), and moves to step S41.

In step S34, the MFP judges whether or not the own device supports thedocument size of A4. If it judges that the own device supports thedocument size of A4 (YES in step S34), the MFP moves to step S35. On theother hand, if it judges that the own device does not support thedocument size of A4 (NO in step S34), the MFP moves to step S41.

Following this, the MFP judges in a similar manner whether or not theown device satisfies the condition, for each of the output size (stepS35), the number of prints (step S36), page allocation (step S37),single/both side printing (step S38), and staple (step S39).

If it confirms that the own device satisfies the all conditions (YES inall of steps S33 to S39), the MFP judges that processing by the owndevice is available (step S40).

On the other hand, if it confirms that the own device does not satisfyat least one of the conditions, the MFP judges that processing by theown device is not available (step S41), and notifies the access timermanagement unit 97 that the MFP does not make en entry (step S42).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the process between C and D inFIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 18, the MFP creates a new entry file in afolder corresponding to the job, in the storage device 5 (step S51),writes, into the entry file, the productivity information, currentstatus information, image quality mode information, and cost parameterinformation (steps S52 to S55, respectively), adds the file name (stepS56), and stores and registers the entry file (step S57). It should benoted here that the entry file may be created within the MFP and thenstored in the storage device 5.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the process between D and E inFIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 19, the MFP checks the access timer signal(step S61). If the access timer signal is enable (YES in step S62), theMFP checks whether or not there is an entry made by another MFP for thejob (step S63). If the access timer signal is not enable (NO in stepS62), the MFP returns to checking the access timer signal (step S61).

If it judges that there is an entry made by another MFP (YES in stepS64), the MFP opens all entry files made by other MFPs (step S65), andreads the contents of the entry files (step S66).

Next, the MFP makes a comparison among the read-out contents of theentry files in the order of priority. For example, if there are entriesmade by the MFPs 1 and 3, and if the contents of the entry files are asshown in FIG. 13A, the MFP first makes a comparison with respect to thesystem speed that is the information having the highest priority (stepS67).

In this comparison, the MFP judges whether the own device isadvantageous, disadvantageous, or equal in comparison with the otherdevices. If it judges that the own device is advantageous (Advantageousin step S68), the MFP judges that the own device should process the job(step S83). If it judges that the own device is disadvantageous(Disadvantageous in step S68), the MFP judges that the own device shouldnot process the job (step S84). If it judges that the own device isequal with the other devices (Equal in step S68), the MFP proceeds tomake a comparison with respect to the current status that is theinformation having the next highest priority (step S69).

In the present example, entries are made by two MFPs. In the case whereentries are made by three or more MFPs, only the most advantageous MFPjudges that the own device is advantageous (Advantageous in step S68),and the other MFPs judge that the own devices are disadvantageous(Disadvantageous in step S68). If there are two or more mostadvantageous MFPs, they judge that the own devices are equal with eachother (Equal in step S68), and the MFPs other than the two or more mostadvantageous MFPs judge that the own devices are disadvantageous(Disadvantageous in step S68).

If it judges in comparison in the current status that the own device isadvantageous (Advantageous in step S70); the MFP judges that the owndevice should process the job (step S83). If it judges that the owndevice is disadvantageous (Disadvantageous in step S70), the MFP judgesthat the own device should not process the job (step S84). If it judgesthat the own device is equal with the other devices (Equal in step S70),the MFP proceeds to make a comparison with respect to the type of paperin tray (step S71).

If it judges in comparison in the type of paper in tray that the owndevice is advantageous (Advantageous in step S72), the MFP judges thatthe own device should process the job (step S83). If it judges that theown device is disadvantageous (Disadvantageous in step S72), the MFPjudges that the own device should not process the job (step S84) If itjudges that the own device is equal with the other devices (Equal instep S72), the MFP proceeds to make a comparison with respect to theresidual amount of paper in tray (step S73).

If it judges in comparison in the residual amount of paper in tray thatthe own device is advantageous (Advantageous in step S74), the MFPjudges that the own device should process the job (step S83). If itjudges that the own device is disadvantageous (Disadvantageous in stepS74), the MFP judges that the own device should not process the job(step S84). If it judges that the own device is equal with the otherdevices (Equal in step S74), the MFP proceeds to make a comparison withrespect to the residual amount of toner (step S75).

If it judges in comparison in the residual amount of toner that the owndevice is advantageous (Advantageous in step S76), the MFP judges thatthe own device should process the job (step S83). If it judges that theown device is disadvantageous (Disadvantageous in step S76), the MFPjudges that the own device should not process the job (step S84). If itjudges that the own device is equal with the other devices (Equal instep S76), the MFP proceeds to make a comparison with respect to the usefrequency (step S77).

If it judges in comparison in the use frequency that the own device isadvantageous (Advantageous in step S78), the MFP judges that the owndevice should process the job (step S83). If it judges that the owndevice is disadvantageous (Disadvantageous in step S78), the MFP judgesthat the own device should not process the job (step S84). If it judgesthat the own device is equal with the other devices (Equal in step S78),the MFP proceeds to make a comparison with respect to the powerconsumption (step S79).

If it judges in comparison in the power consumption that the own deviceis advantageous (Advantageous in step S80), the MFP judges that the owndevice should process the job (step S83). If it judges that the owndevice is disadvantageous (Disadvantageous in step S80), the MFP judgesthat the own device should not process the job (step S84). If it judgesthat the own device is equal with the other devices (Equal in step S80),the MFP proceeds to make a comparison with respect to the entry filecreation time (step S81).

If it judges that the entry file creation time of the own device isearlier (YES in step S82), the MFP judges that the own device shouldprocess the job (step S83). If it judges that the entry file creationtime of the own device is later (NO in step S82), the MFP judges thatthe own device should not process the job (step S84). If the MFP judgesin step S84 that the own device should not process the job, the MFPnotifies the access timer management unit 97 of the judgment result(step S85).

Up to now, an example of the productivity oriented mode has beendescribed. Also, for example, an operation in the cost oriented mode isavailable, in which a judgment on whether the own device is advantageousor not is made with respect to, for example, each item of the entry fileshown in FIG. 13B, in the order from the highest priority to the lowestpriority.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the process between E and A inFIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 20, the MFP deletes the entry files of theother MFPs (step S91), notifies the device name of the own device to theuser (step S92), obtains the document data from the storage device 5(step S93), and processes the job (step S94)

After the job ends (YES in step S95), the MFP notifies the user of theend of the job (step S96), and deletes the job data from the storagedevice 5 (step S97).

<Summary>

As described above, the present embodiment reduces the cost since iteliminates the need for a server that is used in conventionaltechnologies. Also, the present embodiment prevents a case where afailure occurs in the server and jobs cannot be processed at all.

Further, the number of MFPs that make entries of the own deviceinformation changes depending on the job process condition. For example,if a function, which is provided only by a small number of predeterminedMFPs, is specified as the process condition, the number of MFPs thatmake entries of the own device information for the job is reduced, andthe load applied to the network decreases. Further, information (entryfiles) is obtained only from MFPs that judged that the own device canprocess the job. This enables the information to be obtained in arelatively short time, preventing a case where selection of the mostsuitable MFP cannot be done appropriately due to a change of the MFPstatus during the time in which the information is obtained.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, theMFP 2, which judged that the own device cannot process a job (the firstjudgment), accesses the storage device 5 to judge whether the own devicecan process another job (the first judgment) while the other MFPs 1 and3, having made entries, judge whether or not the own device shouldprocess the job (the second judgment). In this case, if, for example,the MFP 2 and an MFP 4 (not illustrated) make entries of the own deviceinformation for said another job, the MFPs 2 and 4 make the secondjudgment as the MFPs 1 and 3 do for the first job, and one of the MFPs 2and 4 processes said another job.

Accordingly, in processing a plurality of jobs, it is possible toperform the above-described sequence of operations from (3) Checking Jobto (16) Deleting Job Data, for each of the plurality of jobsconcurrently in parallel. Compared with a structure where a sequence ofoperations for a job is completed first, and then a sequence ofoperations for another job is started, this structure reduces the timerequired by the system to process the jobs as a whole.

In the example described above, the PC 6 enters a job into the storagedevice 5. However, the structure is also applicable to a case where anMFP receives a request for processing a job directly from the user. Thatis to say, after one MFP receives a request for processing a job via anoperation panel 80 of the own device, the MFP transmits the data of therequested job to the storage device 5, and the job is registered withthe storage device 5. Following this, the MFP makes the judgment onwhether the own device can process the job, makes an entry of the owndevice information, and the like, as described above.

Embodiment 2

In Embodiment 1 described above, all the MFPs perform the job check atthe same cycle. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the MFPsperform the job check not necessarily at the same cycle. In thefollowing, to avoid redundancy, the description having already beenprovided in Embodiment 1 is omitted, and the same reference numbers areused for the constituent elements that are common with Embodiment 1.

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a detailed operation of the imageprocessing system in Embodiment 2. It should be noted here that, in FIG.21, the job judgment processing unit 96 and the access timer managementunit 97 are respectively indicated in abbreviated forms “judgment unit”and “management unit”.

The access timer management units 97 of each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3generate an access timing signal at a predetermined cycle. The jobjudgment processing unit 96 of each of the MFPs 1, 2, and 3 confirms ata predetermined cycle whether there is an unprocessed job that has beenregistered with the storage device 5. In the example shown in FIG. 21,the cycles at which the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 respectively perform the jobchecks are set to substantially the same value, but the cycle at whichthe MFP 3 performs the job check is set to a value that is greater thanthe value for the MFP 1 and the MFP 2.

For example, the cycle for the MFP 1 is set to T1, and the cycle for theMFP 3 is set to T2 (T2=T1×8). When the cycle is set to a greater value,the number of job checks per unit time becomes smaller, the number ofentries becomes smaller, and the number of job receptions becomessmaller.

The reason for setting a longer cycle for a certain MFP is, for example,to reduce the jobs processed by the certain MFP because the certain MFPhas a slower system speed than the other MFPs, or because the certainMFP is prioritized to receive FAX over the other MFPs. When a longercycle is set for the certain MFP, the number of job checks performed bythe certain MFP is reduced, and the probability that the certain MFPprocess a job decreases. This reduces, for example, the possibility thatthe job processing delays as a whole since an MFP with a slower systemspeed processes a job, and the possibility that an MFP dedicated toreceiving FAX can hardly receive FAX. Adversely, when the cycle for anMFP is set to a smaller value than for the other MFPs, the number of jobchecks increases, and reduces the job wait time. This improves theproductivity of print or the like. It should be noted here that, forexample, the manager or the like may arbitrarily set the cycle from thePC, the operation panel, or the like.

In the image processing system of the present embodiment having theabove-described structure, each MFP performs the job check at a cycleuniquely set for each MFP. This makes it possible to cause a desired MFPto process jobs more frequently than another MFP, by setting the cyclefor the desired MFP to a smaller value and setting the cycle for theother MFP to a greater value.

Further, the image processing system of the present embodiment may havea structure in which each MFP automatically change the cycle of jobcheck depending on the status of the own device. For example, each MFPmay change the cycle from t1, which is an ordinary cycle, to t2, whichis longer than t1, while an error such as a paper jam, paper empty,toner empty, or defect occurs. This is because, once such an erroroccurs, it often takes time for the device to restore the normal state.It is also possible to substantially prevent the job check by settingthe cycle t2 to an extremely great value. It is further possible toadopt a structure where the job check itself is stopped.

Further, the cycle may be automatically changed depending on the statusof the own device such as the system speed, residual amount of workmemory (RAM), or job processing status, not limited to depending on theabove-mentioned paper jam, defect and the like.

For example, when the MFP 2 is processing a job and cannot startprocessing another job immediately, it is not an efficient way toallocate a new job to the MFP 2. In such a case, the following can bedone. That is to say, upon receiving a notification of a job processstart from the main control unit 91 of the MFP overall control software90, the access timer management unit 97 of the MFP 2 changes the cycleof the job check performed by the MFP to a greater value, as shown inFIG. 21. Then, upon receiving a job end notification from the jobjudgment processing unit 96 after the job is completed, the access timermanagement unit 97 returns the cycle of the job check to the formervalue.

With the above-described structure in which the cycle of the job checkis changed depending on the status of the MFP, it is possible to cause acertain MFP to process a job by priority, by, for example, changing thecycle to a greater value when the certain MFP is in a status where itdoes not need to process the job, and changing the cycle to a smallervalue when the certain MFP is in a status where it needs to process thejob.

In the image processing system of the present embodiment, the cycle ofthe job check is set separately by each image processing device and theset cycle of the job check is changed depending on the status of theimage processing device. However, not limited to this, the imageprocessing system of the present embodiment may have such a structurewhere the cycle of the job check is not set separately by each imageprocessing device and the set cycle of the job check is not changed, orthe image processing system of the present embodiment may have such astructure where the cycle of the job check is set to substantially asame value in each MFP and the set cycle of the job check is changeddepending on the status of the MFP.

Further, the image processing system of the present embodiment may havesuch a structure where each image processing device performs a jobcheck, but may cancel making an entry immediately before making theentry, if a certain condition is met. Here, the certain condition is,for example, that the image processing device is currently processing ajob and it is expected to take a long time before finishing the job,that the residual amount of paper or toner is small and it is expectedto become empty during the job processing, or that the execution of ajob becomes unavailable due to an error or the like that occurs afterthe job check. Not making an entry means that the own device informationis not transmitted. This eliminates the need to confirm the capabilityor status of the own device, and thus reduce the load applied to thenetwork.

Embodiment 3

The image processing system of Embodiment 3 differs from that ofEmbodiment 1 in that, if an image processing device judges in the secondjudgment that the own device is equal, neither advantageous nordisadvantageous, in comparison with the other devices, the imageprocessing device adds a new piece of information for the judgment, andif the image processing device judges that the own device isadvantageous in comparison with the other devices with respect to thenewly added information, the image processing device processes the job.

FIGS. 22A and 22B show examples of entry files in the presentembodiment. FIG. 22A shows entry files before information is newlyadded, and FIG. 22B shows entry files after information is newly added.

For example, if the entry files of the MFP 1 and MFP 3 are the same asshown in FIG. 22A, the job judgment processing units 96 of the MFP 1 andMFP 3 judge that the MFP 1 and MFP 3 are equal, and suspend the judgmenton whether the own device should process the job. Then, information isnewly added to the entry files stored in the storage device 5, as shownin FIG. 22B.

After the information is newly added to the entry files, each of the jobjudgment processing units 96 of the MFP 1 and MFP 3 obtains the entryfiles of the other MFPs again from the storage device 5, and resumes thejudgment on whether the own device should process the job. That is tosay, they do not make a judgment with respect to the information forwhich the judgment has already made, but make a judgment with respect toonly the newly added information.

In the example shown in FIG. 22B, first a comparison is made withrespect to the paper residual amount that has the highest priority amongthe added pieces of information, and the result is “equal” since bothare set to “Full”.

Then, a comparison is made with respect to the security setting that hasthe second highest priority among the added pieces of information, wherethe enhanced mode is on in the MFP 1 and is off in the MFP 3. As aresult, the MFP 1 judges that the own device is advantageous, and theMFP 3 judges that the own device is disadvantageous.

The MFP 1, having judged that the own device is advantageous, judgesthat the own device should process the job, obtains the document dataand processes the job.

As described above, when it is impossible to judge whether the owndevice is advantageous or disadvantageous in the first judgment,information is newly added, and a judgment is made using the newly addedinformation. This structure makes it possible to process a job using afurther suitable MFP.

Embodiment 4

The image processing system of Embodiment 4 differs from that ofEmbodiment 1 in that, if an image processing device judges in the secondjudgment that the own device is equal, neither advantageous nordisadvantageous, in comparison with the other devices, the imageprocessing device receives, from the user, a specification of a devicethat should process the job, and if the user specifies the own device,the image processing device judges that the own device should processthe job.

FIG. 23 schematically shows the operation of the image processing systemin the present embodiment. FIG. 24 shows a screen that is displayed whenthe judgment result is “equal”, neither advantageous nordisadvantageous.

As shown in FIG. 23, (1) when a request for processing a job isreceived, (2) division, transmission, and registration of the job areperformed. The IP address of the PC 6 being the transmission source isadded to the job data. This addition of the IP address is automaticallyperformed by the printer driver installed in the PC 6. This is followedby (3) the job check, (4) the first judgment, (5) making entry of theown device information, (6) checking the other device information, and(7) the second judgment.

If it is judged in the second judgment that, for example, the entryfiles for the MFP 1 and the MFP 3 are the same, the job judgmentprocessing units 96 of the MFP 1 and the MFP 3 judge that the MFP 1 andMFP 3 are equal, neither advantageous nor disadvantageous, and suspendthe judgment on whether the own device should process the job.

(8) Each of the MFP 1 and MFP 3 confirms the IP address attached to thejob, identifies, from the IP address, the PC 6 as the job transmissionsource, and notifies the PC 6 that the most suitable MFP cannot beselected.

After the notification is received, displayed on the monitor of the PC 6is a message indicating that the most suitable MFP cannot be selected,and a message as shown in FIG. 24 urging the user to select one amongthe MFPs that made entries.

Seeing the message displayed on the monitor, the user can select adesired MFP using the mouse or the like. For example, if the userselects the MFP 3 that is located near the user, (9) the printer driverof the PC 6 notifies the job judgment processing unit 96 of the MFP 3 ofthe selection. The job judgment processing unit 96 judges that the owndevice is advantageous, and judges that the own device should processthe job.

Performed following this are: (10) deletion of the other device entryfiles, (11) notification of the device name to the PC, (12) notificationof the device name to the user, (13) obtainment of the document data,(14) processing the job, (15) notification of the end of job to thestorage device, (16) notification of the end of job to the PC, (17)notification of the end of job to the user, and (18) deletion of the jobdata.

The above-described structure, in which a selection of an MFP isreceived from the user, reflects the intention of the user, and isconvenient for the user.

Embodiment 5

The image processing system of Embodiment 5 differs from that ofEmbodiment 1 in that the job data contains priority conditions, and thatin the second judgment, information indicating conditions, with whichthe own device processes the job, in correspondence with the priorityconditions is referred to by priority.

It should be noted here that the priority conditions are part of theprocess conditions, and are checked earlier than the other processconditions in the second judgment on whether being advantageous ordisadvantageous. With respect to the priority conditions, the secondjudgment is made based on the standards that are set for each job by theuser who requests processing the job.

More specifically, first, the judgment on whether being advantageous ordisadvantageous is made only for the priority conditions. If it isjudged that the own device is advantageous with respect to the priorityconditions, it is judged that the own device should process the job.Also, if it is judged that the own device is disadvantageous withrespect to the priority conditions, it is judged that the own deviceshould not process the job. The judgment for the conditions other thanthe priority conditions is made only if it is judged that the own deviceis equal, neither advantageous nor disadvantageous, with other devices,for the priority conditions.

FIG. 25 shows a display example of a priority condition setting screenin Embodiment 5. FIG. 26 shows a part of job data that relates to thepriority condition. FIG. 27 shows a part of job list that relates to thepriority condition. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of thejudgment process for making judgment on the priority condition.

For example, when the user enters a request for processing a job fromthe PC 6, the user inputs, from the priority condition setting screen, astandard based on which a judgment on being advantageous ordisadvantageous is to be made. The example shown in FIG. 25 includes, asthe priority conditions, the processing time, location, color, imagequality, security, and cost. And for each priority condition, selectionoptions are provided.

The setting of the judgment standard for the processing time is made byselecting one from among “fast”, “normal”, “slow”, and “nospecification”. For example, if the user desires a fast processing time,the user can select “fast”. If “fast” is selected, an MFP that has afast processing time for the process from the job registration to theoutput is judged to be advantageous in the second judgment. If “normal”is selected, an MFP that has a normal processing time for the process isjudged to be advantageous. If “slow” is selected, an MFP that has a slowprocessing time for the process is judged to be advantageous. And If “nospecification” is selected, each of the MFPs is judged to beadvantageous.

The setting of the judgment standard for the location is made byselecting one from among “near”, “normal”, “far”, and “nospecification”. For example, if the user desires the job to be processedby an MFP installed in a near location, the user can select “near”.

The setting of the judgment standard for the color is made by selectingone from among “color”, “monochrome (B/W)”, and “no specification”. Forexample, when the user requests a job for a monochrome print, if theuser desires the job to be processed by a color machine, not by amonochrome machine, the user selects “color”.

The setting of the judgment standard for the image quality is made byselecting one from among “fine”, “normal”, and “no specification”. Forexample, if the user desires the job to be processed by an MFP thatprovides a high-quality image, the user can select “fine”.

The setting of the judgment standard for the security is made byselecting one from among “confidential” and “no specification”. Forexample, if the user desires the job to be processed by an MFP that hasa confidentiality function, the user can select “confidential”.

The setting of the judgment standard for the cost is made by selectingone from among “normal”, “low”, and “no specification”. For example, ifthe user desires the job to be processed by an MFP that has a lowrunning cost, or an MFP that uses recycled paper, the user can select“low”.

By setting the judgment standards as described above, for example, jobdata, which has the data shown in FIG. 26 as part of the processcondition (print condition) as well as the data shown in FIG. 9, iscreated. The job data is transmitted to the storage device 5 and isstored therein.

Further, in the storage device 5, for example, a job list, which has theinformation regarding the priority condition shown in FIG. 27 as well asthe information shown in FIG. 10, is created. It should be noted herethat in the example shown in FIG. 27, the sign “◯” indicates that theMFP has been judged to be advantageous with respect to the prioritycondition, and the sign “×” indicates that the MFP has been judged to bedisadvantageous with respect to the priority condition.

Next, among the job processing operation, only the part differing fromEmbodiment 1 will be described. The image processing devices inEmbodiment 5 differ from those in Embodiment 1 in that they perform theprocess shown in FIG. 28, between steps S66 and S67 of FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 28, the job judgment processing unit of the MFP 1 readsthe contents of each entry file (step S66), and then makes a judgment onbeing advantageous or disadvantageous for each priority condition, andif the own device has the largest number of priority conditions forwhich the own device is advantageous, it judges that the own deviceshould process the job (steps S101 to S133).

For example, if the judgment standard for the priority conditions is setas shown in FIG. 26, judgment is made for each of the processing time,location, color, image quality, security, and cost. In this judgment,MFPs having “fast” for processing time, “near” for location, “color” forcolor, “confidential” for security, and “low” for cost are judged to beadvantageous, respectively. With respect to the image quality, all theMFPs are judged to be advantageous since the standard is set to “nospecification”.

More specifically, first, the priority condition comparison counter isreset (step S101). In this resetting, for example, the counters of theMFP 1 and MFP 3 (represented as C1 and C3, respectively) are set to “0”.

Then, a comparison is made in the processing time (step S102), and ajudgment is made on whether the own device is fast, slow, or equal incomparison with the other device (step S103). If it is judged that theown device is fast (“fast” in step S103). C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 isset to “C3” (step S104). If it is judged that the own device is slow(“slow” in step S103), C1 is set to “C1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (stepS105). If it is judged that the own device is equal (“equal” in stepS103), C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S106).

In the example described above, a comparison is made between two MFPsthat have made entries. If three or more MFPs have made entries, onlythe fastest MFP judges that the own device is fast (“fast” in stepS103), and the remaining MFPs judge that the own device is slow (“slow”in step S103). Here, if there are a plurality of fastest MFPs, theyjudge that the own device is equal (“equal” in step S103), and theremaining MFPs judge that the own device is slow (“slow” in step S103).This also applies to the other priority conditions that will bedescribed in the following.

Then, a comparison is made in the location (step S107), and a judgmentis made on whether the own device is near, far, or equal in comparisonwith the other device (step S108). If it is judged that the own deviceis near (“near” in step S108), C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to“C3” (step S109). If it is judged that the own device is far (“far” instep S108), C1 is set to “C1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S110). Ifit is judged that the own device is equal (“equal” in step S108), C1 isset to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S111).

Then, a comparison is made in the color (step S112), and a judgment ismade on whether it is “color” (the own device is color and the otherdevice is monochrome), “monochrome” (the own device is monochrome andthe other device is color), or “equal” (both devices are color ormonochrome) (step S113). If it is judged to be “color” (“color” in stepS113), C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3” (step S114). If it isjudged to be “monochrome” (“monochrome” in step S113), C1 is set to“C1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S115) If it is judged to be “equal”(“equal” in step S113), C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1”(step S116).

Then, a comparison is made in the image quality (step S117), and ajudgment is made on whether the own device has fine, low, or equal imagequality in comparison with the other device (step S118). If it is judgedthat the own device is fine (“fine” in step S118), C1 is set to “C1+1”,and C3 is set to “C3” (step S119). If it is judged that the own deviceis low (“low” in step S118), C1 is set to “C1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1”(step S120). If it is judged that the own device is equal (“equal” instep S118), C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S121).

Then, a comparison is made in the security (step S122), and a judgmentis made on whether the own device is high, low, or equal in comparisonwith the other device (step S123). If it is judged that the own deviceis high (“high” in step S123), C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to“C3” (step S124). If it is judged that the own device is low (“low” instep S123), C1 is set to “C1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S125). Ifit is judged that the own device is equal (“equal” in step S123), C1 isset to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S126).

Then, a comparison is made in the cost (step S127), and a judgment ismade on whether the own device is high, low, or equal in comparison withthe other device (step S128). If it is judged that the own device ishigh (“high” in step S128), C1 is set to “C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3”(step S129). If it is judged that the own device is low (“low” in stepS128), C1 is set to “C1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S130). If it isjudged that the own device is equal (“equal” in step S123), C1 is set to“C1+1”, and C3 is set to “C3+1” (step S131).

After this, a comparison is made in the counter value (step S132), and ajudgment is made on whether the own device is high, low, or equal incomparison with the other device (step S133). If it is judged that theown device is high (“high” in step S133), it is judged that the owndevice should process the job (step S134). If it is judged that the owndevice is low (“low” in step S133), it is judged that the own deviceshould not process the job (step S135), and the judgment result isnotified to the access timer management unit (step S136). If it isjudged that the own device is equal (“equal” in step S133), that is tosay, if whether the own device is advantageous or disadvantageous cannotbe judged based on the priority conditions, the judgment is made basedon the process conditions other than the priority conditions, and forthis, control moves to step S67 in which a comparison is made in thesystem speed.

It should be noted here that, in FIG. 27, the number of the signs “◯”,which indicate judgment results on priority conditions for each MFP,corresponds to the above-mentioned counter value. That is to say, in theexample shown in FIG. 27, the counter value C1 of the MFP 1 is “4”, andthe counter value C3 of the MFP 3 is “4”. Accordingly, since both MFPshave an equal counter value, control moves to step S67 in which acomparison is made in the system speed.

In the above-described example, an MFP having the highest number ofpriority conditions for which the own device is advantageous processesthe job. However, adoptable as a modification of this is a structurewhere the user assigns weights to each priority condition, and thejudgment is made by performing a calculation in which the weights aretaken into account.

FIG. 29 shows a display example of a priority condition setting screenin a modification of Embodiment 5. FIG. 30 shows a part of job list thatrelates to the priority condition.

For example, when the user inputs, from the priority condition settingscreen shown in FIG. 29, a standard based on which a judgment on beingadvantageous or disadvantageous is to be made, the user assigns weightsto each priority condition by inputting weight values. The example shownin FIG. 25 includes, as the priority conditions, the processing time,location, color, image quality, security, and cost, and the weightvalues “10”, “50”, “30”, “0”, “0” and “10” are respectively input incorrespondence with the processing time, location, color, image quality,security, and cost.

After the weights are assigned, the job judgment processing unit 96multiplies, for each priority condition, the weight value by the basicconstant, and obtains point values as shown in FIG. 30 as a result ofthe judgment for the priority conditions. The job judgment processingunit 96 then sums the point values for each priority condition. It isjudged that an MFP having the highest point value (in the example shownin FIG. 30, the MFP 1) should process the job.

With the above-described structure where the priority conditions areincluded in the process conditions, a job is processed by the mostsuitable MFP.

[Job Processing Method and Program]

The present invention is not limited to an image processing device, suchas the above-described MFP, or an image processing system, but may be amethod for processing a job by performing the first and second judgmentsor the like described in the flowcharts. The present invention may be aprogram that causes a computer to perform the method. The program of thepresent invention may be recorded on any of various types ofcomputer-readable recording mediums such as magnetic tape, magnetic disksuch as flexible disk, optical recording medium such as DVD-ROM,DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, or PD, or flash memory type recording medium.The present invention may be manufactured or transferred in the form ofsuch a recording medium, or may be transmitted or distributed in theform of a program via any of various types of wired or unwired networksincluding the Internet, broadcast, electronic communication line, orsatellite communication.

Further, the program of the present invention may not necessarilyinclude all the modules to cause a computer to execute theabove-described processes. For example, it is possible to cause acomputer to execute each process of the present invention by using anyof various types of general-purpose programs, such as a communicationprogram or a program contained in an operating system (OS), that can beinstalled separately in the information processing device. Accordingly,the above-described recording medium of the present invention mayneither necessarily record therein nor transfer all the above-describedmodules. Further, a predetermined process among the above-describedprocesses may be executed using dedicated hardware.

[Modifications]

Up to now, the present invention has been described based on itsembodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to theembodiments, but may be modified, for example, as follows.

(1) In the above-described embodiments, the storage device 5 is anexternal storage device that is separate from the MFPs. However, thestorage device 5 only needs to be included in the image processingsystem 8, and may be, for example, an internal storage device that isembedded in any of the MFPs. Further, not limited to a structure wherethe job data and the entry file are stored in the same storage device,the present invention may have a structure where the job data and theentry file are stored in different storage devices and these storagedevices are used as a storage unit. Furthermore, the PC 6 is notindispensable to the image processing system 8. Accordingly, the imageprocessing system 8 may not include the PC 6. In this case, a requestfor processing a job is made from any of the MFPs in the system.

(2) In the above-described embodiments, the capability information andthe status information are written in the entry file, as the informationused for selecting the most suitable MFP. However, information otherthan the capability information and the status information may bewritten in the entry file.

FIGS. 31A and 31B show examples of entry files in the presentmodification. As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, reception information,which indicates whether the own device has received a request forprocessing a job, is written in the entry file of each MFP so that itbecomes apparent which MFP has received a request for processing a job.The reception information is compared among the MFPs, and the MFP thatreceived a request for processing a job judges that the own device isadvantageous.

(3) The job is not limited to a print job, but may be a copy job, scanjob, FAX job or the like. In the case of the copy job, the capabilityinformation may include, for example, single/both side, Nin1,magnification rate, density adjustment, color adjustment, and finishing(punch, staple or the like). In the case of the scan job, the capabilityinformation may include, for example, single/both side, densityadjustment, PDF/TIFF format change, scan to E-mail, and scan to HDD. Inthe case of the FAX job, the capability information may include, forexample, single/both side, density adjustment, resolution change, andtimer transmission.

(4) In the above-described embodiments, the MFP makes the first judgmentbased on the function information of the own device. However, notlimited to this, the MFP may make the first judgment based on, forexample, information (status information) that indicates the current jobprocessing capability of the own device. The status information may bethe same as the “current status” included in the entry file. In thiscase, the MFP judges that the own device can process the job if the owndevice is in wait, and judges that the own device cannot process the jobif the own device is in warmup since it cannot start processing untilthe warmup ends. Further, the MFP may judge that the own device canprocess the job if a currently performed process is scheduled to endwithin a predetermined time period, and may judge that the own devicecannot process the job if a currently performed process is scheduled totake time exceeding the predetermined time period. Furthermore, the MFPmay judge that the own device cannot process the job if any of thefollowing has occurred: paper jam, little amount of residual toner,toner empty, little amount of residual paper, paper empty, and failure.Furthermore, the MFP may judge whether the own device can process thejob by referring to both the function information and statusinformation.

(5) In the above-described embodiments, the image processing device isan MFP. However, not limited to this, the image processing device maybe, for example, a scanner, printer, copier, or facsimile device.Further, the number of image processing devices only needs to be two ormore.

The present invention may be any combinations of the above-describedembodiments and modifications.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is broadly applicable to an image processingsystem that does not require a server having a function to select adevice that processes a job.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way ofexamples with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be notedthat various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilledin the art. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications depart fromthe scope of the present invention, they should be construed as beingincluded therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing device for use as one of aplurality of image processing devices included in an image processingsystem that further includes a storage, the image processing devicecomprising: a first judging part operable to, if job data of anunprocessed job is stored in the storage, judge whether the unprocessedjob can be processed by an own device; a transmitter operable to, if thefirst judging part judges that the unprocessed job can be processed bythe own device, transmit first information, which indicates one or moreconditions with which the own device processes the job, to the storageand cause the storage to store the first information; an obtaining partoperable to obtain second information, which indicates one or moreconditions with which another one of the plurality of image processingdevices processes the job, from the storage; a second judging partoperable to judge whether the own device should process the job, inaccordance with a standard that is common to the plurality of imageprocessing devices, by referring to the first information and the secondinformation; and a job processor operable to process the job if thesecond judging part judges that the own device should process the job,the standard common to the plurality of image processing devices is thatan image processing device that is advantageous in comparison with otherdevices with respect to a condition, with which each image processingdevice processes the job, is selected from among the plurality of imageprocessing devices, and the second judging part judges that the owndevice should process the job if it is judged that the own device isadvantageous in comparison with the other devices, and wherein if thesecond judging part judges that the own device is equal, neitheradvantageous nor disadvantageous, in comparison with the other devices,the transmitter, after transmission of the first information, transmitsanother first information, which indicates another condition, specifiedby a user before the judgment that the own device is equal, with whichthe own device processes the job, to the storage and causes the storageto store the another first information, the obtaining part, afterobtainment of the second information, obtains another secondinformation, which indicates another condition with which the anotherimage processing device processes the job, from the storage, and thesecond judging part judges whether the own device should process thejob, by referring to the another first information and the anothersecond information, and wherein, after the second judging part hasjudged that the own device should process the job, the own devicedeletes, from the storage, information which indicates one or moreconditions with which the own device processes the job.
 2. The imageprocessing device of claim 1, wherein data of the unprocessed jobincludes information indicating an image processing function as aprocess condition of the job, and the first judging part makes thejudgment by referring to (i) the information indicating the imageprocessing function and (ii) information regarding an image processingfunction loaded in the own device.
 3. The image processing device ofclaim 1, wherein the first judging part makes the judgment in accordancewith status information that indicates a current job processingcapability of the own device.
 4. The image processing device of claim 1,wherein the first judging part makes the judgment by accessing thestorage at a predetermined cycle.
 5. The image processing device ofclaim 4, wherein the predetermined cycle is set to substantially a samevalue in the plurality of image processing devices.
 6. The imageprocessing device of claim 1, wherein the first judging part makes thejudgment by accessing the storage at a cycle that is changed dependingon a status of the own device.
 7. The image processing device of claim6, wherein the cycle is set to a first value if a factor that preventsan execution of the job has not arisen, and the cycle is set to a secondvalue, which is greater than the first value, if the factor has arisen.8. The image processing device of claim 1, wherein the first informationand the second information relate to job productivity, and the secondjudging part judges that the own device should process the job if theown device has higher productivity than the other devices.
 9. The imageprocessing device of claim 1, wherein the first information and thesecond information relate to job cost, and the second judging partjudges that the own device should process the job if the own device hasa lower cost than the other devices.
 10. The image processing device ofclaim 1, wherein if the second judging part judges that the own deviceis equal, neither advantageous nor disadvantageous, in comparison withthe other devices, the second judging part receives, from the user, aspecification of a device that should process the job, and if the userspecifies the own device, the second judging part judges that the owndevice should process the job.
 11. The image processing device of claim1, wherein the first information and the second information are (a)capability information that indicates job processing capability of theown device and/or (b) status information that indicates a current statusof the own device.
 12. The image processing device of claim 1, whereinthe storage device is either an external storage device that is separatefrom the plurality of image processing devices, or an internal storagedevice that is provided in any of the plurality of image processingdevices.
 13. The image processing device of claim 1, wherein data of theunprocessed job includes information indicating one or more priorityconditions, and the second judging part judges whether the own deviceshould process the job, in accordance with, by priority, a weight thatis set for each of one or more priority conditions common to theplurality of image processing devices, by referring to, by priority,portions of the first information and the second information that relateto the one or more priority conditions, and at least one weight isselected from among at least three different settings.
 14. The imageprocessing device of claim 1, wherein the first judging partperiodically accesses the storage to make the judgment at a regularinterval that is set to a first value if it is determined that theunprocessed job is not stored in the storage and is set to a secondvalue which is greater than the first value if it is determined that theunprocessed job is stored in the storage.
 15. A job processing methodfor use in an image processing system that includes a storage and aplurality of image processing devices, the job processing method causingeach of the plurality of image processing devices to execute: a firstjudging step of, if job data of an unprocessed job is stored in thestorage, judging whether the unprocessed job can be processed by an owndevice; a transmission step of, if the first judging step judges thatthe unprocessed job can be processed by the own device, transmittingfirst information, which indicates one or more conditions with which theown device processes the job, to the storage and cause the storage tostore the first information; an obtaining step of obtaining secondinformation, which indicates one or more conditions with which anotherone of the plurality of image processing devices processes the job, fromthe storage; a second judging step of judging whether the own deviceshould process the job, in accordance with a standard that is common tothe plurality of image processing devices, by referring to the firstinformation and the second information; and a job processing step ofprocessing the job if the second judging step judges that the own deviceshould process the job, wherein the standard common to the plurality ofimage processing devices is that an image processing device that isadvantageous in comparison with other devices with respect to acondition, with which each image processing device processes the job, isselected from among the plurality of image processing devices, and thesecond judging step judges that the own device should process the job ifit is judged that the own device is advantageous in comparison with theother devices, and if, in the second judging step, it is judged that theown device is equal, neither advantageous nor disadvantageous, incomparison with the other devices, 1) after transmission of the firstinformation, another first information, which indicates anothercondition, specified by a user before the judgment that the own deviceis equal, with which the own device processes the job, is transmitted tothe storage and the storage is caused to store the another firstinformation, 2) after obtainment of the second information, anothersecond information, which indicates another condition with which theanother image processing device processes the job, is obtained from thestorage, and 3) it is judged whether the own device should process thejob, by referring to the another first information and the anothersecond information, and wherein, after it has been judged that the owndevice should process the job, the own device deletes, from the storage,information which indicates one or more conditions with which the owndevice processes the job.
 16. The job processing method of claim 15,wherein data of the unprocessed job includes information indicating oneor more priority conditions, and the second judging step judges whetherthe own device should process the job, in accordance with, by priority,a weight that is set for each of one or more priority conditions commonto the plurality of image processing devices, by referring to, bypriority, portions of the first information and the second informationthat relate to the one or more priority conditions, and at least oneweight is selected from among at least three different settings.
 17. Thejob processing method of claim 15, wherein in the first judging step,the storage is periodically accessed to make the judgment at a regularinterval that is set to a first value if it is determined that theunprocessed job is not stored in the storage and is set to a secondvalue which is greater than the first value if it is determined that theunprocessed job is stored in the storage.
 18. A non-transitory computerreadable recording medium recording therein a program for causing acomputer, which is included in one of a plurality of image processingdevices constituting an image processing system that includes a storageas well, to execute: a first judging step of, if job data of anunprocessed job is stored in the storage, judging whether theunprocessed job can be processed by an own device; a transmission stepof, if the first judging step judges that the unprocessed job can beprocessed by the own device, transmitting first information, whichindicates one or more conditions with which the own device processes thejob, to the storage and cause the storage to store the firstinformation; an obtaining step of obtaining second information, whichindicates one or more conditions with which another one of the pluralityof image processing devices processes the job, from the storage; asecond judging step of judging whether the own device should process thejob, in accordance with a standard that is common to the plurality ofimage processing devices, by referring to the first information and thesecond information; and a job processing step of processing the job ifthe second judging step judges that the own device should process thejob, wherein the standard common to the plurality of image processingdevices is that an image processing device that is advantageous incomparison with other devices with respect to a condition, with whicheach image processing device processes the job, is selected from amongthe plurality of image processing devices, and the second judging stepjudges that the own device should process the job if it is judged thatthe own device is advantageous in comparison with the other devices, andif, in the second judging step, it is judged that the own device isequal, neither advantageous nor disadvantageous, in comparison with theother devices, 1) after transmission of the first information, anotherfirst information, which indicates another condition, specified by auser before the judgment that the own device is equal, with which theown device processes the job, is transmitted to the storage and thestorage is caused to store the another first information, 2) afterobtainment of the second information, another second information, whichindicates another condition with which the another image processingdevice processes the job, is obtained from the storage, and 3) it isjudged whether the own device should process the job, by referring tothe another first information and the another second information, andwherein, after it has been judged that the own device should process thejob, the own device deletes, from the storage, information whichindicates one or more conditions with which the own device processes thejob.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim18, wherein data of the unprocessed job includes information indicatingone or more priority conditions, and the second judging step judgeswhether the own device should process the job, in accordance with, bypriority, a weight that is set for each of one or more priorityconditions common to the plurality of image processing devices, byreferring to, by priority, portions of the first information and thesecond information that relate to the one or more priority conditions,and at least one weight is selected from among at least three differentsettings.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium ofclaim 18, wherein in the first judging step, the storage is periodicallyaccessed to make the judgment at a regular interval that is set to afirst value if it is determined that the unprocessed job is not storedin the storage and is set to a second value which is greater than thefirst value if it is determined that the unprocessed job is stored inthe storage.